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D.A. Victim Services

Victim Services

A “Victim” is defined by law as the person or persons who have suffered financial, social, psychological or physical harm as a result of a crime. If the Victim is a minor, this includes the legal guardian of the minor. In the case of homicide, Victims include the decedent’s immediate family members.

Being the Victim of a crime can be a traumatic, painful and expensive experience. The violation and intrusion often leaves Victims and their families with feelings of anger and frustration. Victims look to the criminal justice system to provide them with justice and vindication. Most have never had any experience with the courts and, at the worst of times, find themselves suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar and complex system. It is the mission of the Malheur County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program to ensure that each Victim is treated with fairness, respect and compassion as their case moves through the criminal justice system. Our Victim Advocates work closely with the Deputy District Attorneys as they prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the citizens of Malheur County. We are dedicated to reducing the impact of the crime on you, the Victim, by providing the emotional and practical support you need to deal with problems resulting from victimization, and to guide and support you through the criminal justice system.

What Victim Advocates Can Do

Upon contact by law enforcement, Victim Advocates provide 24-hour on-call response for the Victims of Domestic/Family Violence; this immediate crisis intervention service is then followed by on-going support and advocacy throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case

All Victims of crimes being prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office receive:

Information about their rights as victims

Information about how the criminal justice system works

Notice of court hearings, cancellations, and rescheduling for the victim/witness

Accompaniment to court appearances

Specific information and updates on the case, including case progress and disposition

Assistance preparing to testify as a witness at a hearing or trial

Assistance with preparation of a Victim Impact Statement prior to sentencing

Notification of suspect’s release from custody from the county jail, notice of parole from the prison system, and assistance registering for VINE

In addition to these services, the Victims’ Assistance Program coordinates, facilitates and monitors a semi-monthly Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP). This is a panel of victims and community partners who come together to speak to adult offenders. As a part of their post-sentencing supervision, these offenders are required to attend the VIP where they hear about the devastation to families, friends and communities resulting from a criminal offense.

Our Victim Advocates are trained to be resourceful, professional and non-judgmental, and are committed to upholding the rights of the Victim. A Victim Advocate will provide emotional support to you, the Victim, from the very first contact through the criminal justice process, and after disposition of the case if necessary, until the services of the Advocate are no longer needed.

What Victim Advocates Cannot Do

Provide professional counseling to crime victims

Offer financial assistance to crime victims

Give legal advice on civil or criminal cases to crime victims

If You Are A Victim

DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF. Victims are innocent people who suffer harm when someone else breaks the law. It is essential for a Victim to recognize that he or she is not at fault.

TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS. Find someone who is willing to listen. Victims usually do not need advice, but rather just someone with whom to talk.

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SEEK OUTSIDE HELP. There are times when the healing process requires help from a professional. Clergy, counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists may be valuable help.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. Certain aspects of the system may be exasperating. Be prepared for multiple delays, changes in court dates, and other unexpected events that can, and often do, occur. The legal system can be frustrating in its attempt to blindly administer justice, a goal of ultimate importance. The process is dynamic and unfamiliar to all but those who have studied the justice system for years. It seeks to protect everyone and will accept no compromise in its efforts to be fair and to apply the rule of law, as justice requires

Child Support Services: (541) 473-5127 To find out more about the above information or specific information regarding a case of which you are a victim or witness, please call

9:00 am: HEARING ON INCREASES TO LICENSED FACILITY FEES TO BE COLLECTED BY THE MALHEUR COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

9:00 am: HEARING ON INCREASES TO LICENSED FACILITY FEES TO BE COLLECTED BY THE MALHEUR COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

May 22, 20199:00 am

The Malheur County Court will hold a hearing on proposed fee increases for licensed facilities to be collected by the Malheur County Environmental Health Department for Restaurants; Temporary Restaurants; Mobile Units; Tourist Facilities; RV Parks; Schools; Daycares; and Swimming Pools. The hearing will be held on May 22, 2019 at 9:00 o’clock a.m. (Mountain Time) in Room 106 of the Malheur County Courthouse, 251 B St W, Vale, Oregon 97918. All interested persons may appear and be heard. Written comments will be received up to and including the date and time of the hearing. The proposed increases reflect a 7.5% increase to the current fees; the effective date of the increases proposed is July 1, 2019. More information can be obtained by phoning (541) 473-5186 or at: https://www.malheurco.org/county-court/county-court-public-notices/.